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Sleep expert maas6/1/2023 ![]() “If you are only going to do one thing bring a pillow,” says Molloy. If you have all the space in the world, opt for a pillow that promises a luxury sleep, like the Nemo Fillo King, or just take one from your bed. If you’re concerned about weight, spend a little extra on a backpacking-friendly pillow like the Nemo Fillo Elite. Hardcore campers might tell you pillows are non-essential, but if you value your sleep, you’ll be happy you packed one. It didn’t take me too long to realize that I should save up for a thicker, inflated sleeping pad!” “When I started out, I used a closed-cell foam sleeping pad since that was all I could afford at the time. “I’m a curvy human and I like to have a good sleeping pad under me,” says Ford. Inflatable pads have an air chamber that requires manual inflation but allows you to compress them down small for backcountry adventures. Self-inflating pads usually have an added layer of foam or padding inside, which adds extra comfort but more weight. Material and thickness depend on personal preference for how soft of a sleep you’re hoping to get outdoors. Warm weather camping typically calls for R-values between one and three shoulder season camping in the spring and fall calls for three to five winter camping typically requires an R-value of five or more. ![]() Sleeping pad R-values tend to range from one to seven. Without a pad you feel comfortable and warm on, you risk a restless night, which will lead to hard days on the trail or at the campground. There’s a lot to consider before splurging on a sleeping pad, from choosing the appropriate R-Value (temperature rating) to selecting the type of material to find your preferred thickness. If it is really really cold out, you can throw boiling water into a Nalgene and put that in your sleeping bag too.” “Remember that sleeping bags do not warm you up, they insulate you. “Some folks are also naturally hot sleepers and might use a cooler degree sleeping bag than you,” adds Ford. However, finding the right temperature rating for a bag can be different for everyone. To ensure comfort, a good rule of thumb is to use a bag with a rating at least 10 degrees lower than the coldest night you plan on sleeping through. Temperature ratings are the next thing you’ll want to check. If you can save up the money for a great bag, your trip options are limitless.” The pricier brands are, generally the more true to their temperature ratings. “It is one of the times where I really look at the brands before buying. “Having a good sleep system is so important,” says Emily Ford, a winter adventurer and thru-hiker who, with her Alaskan Husky, Diggins, has completed many thru-hikes in the Midwest including the 1,200-mile Ice Age Trail. Pairing two pieces with adequate temperature ratings will majorly impact your ability to stay warm, comfortable and safe at night. The biggest key to sleeping comfortably outdoors is mastering your sleep system, aka your sleeping pad and sleeping bag combination. It’s a new adventure.”Īdvice for a more comfortable sleep while camping Piece of advice number one: “Before you head out on your adventure, create a camping mindset, be ready to roll with the outdoor punches,” says Johnny Molloy, an outdoor author with more than 85 camping, hiking, and paddling guides to his credit, including “ Top Trails: Great Smoky Mountains National Park.” “Sleeping in the great outdoors isn’t going to be like your bed at home - and that is the point. That’s why we talked with outdoor experts to get their advice on how to get a good night’s sleep at camp, whether you’re deep in the backcountry, at the campground in cold weather or in your very own backyard. The problem is, until you’ve perfected your camping sleep system, you may struggle to find comfort while camping. Picture this: Crickets lull you to sleep as a cool breeze flows through your tent windows, a cloud-like sleeping pad cushions your tired muscles with much-needed support and a down comforter hugs your aching body after a long day on the trail.Ĭatching some solid zzz’s in nature can be one of the most rejuvenating and relaxing experiences outdoors. Your CNN account Log in to your CNN account
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